(Video) ‘Very debatable’ – Ten Hag laments officiating after United set unfortunate penalty record

Manchester United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag (R) looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group A football match between FC Copenhagen and Manchester United FC in Copenhagen, Denmark on November 8, 2023. (Photo by Liselotte Sabroe / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo by LISELOTTE SABROE/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United have become the first team to have a penalty given against them in each of their opening four Champions League games, as per TNT Sports.

Tonight saw the latest addition to the unfortunate streak as the Red Devils fell to a deflating 4-3 defeat against Copenhagen, leaving them rock bottom of Group A.

Rasmus Hojlund’s early brace had United in dreamland, however, the tide quickly turned when Marcus Rashford was sent off and Copenhagen pulled two goals back in quick succession. The second came after Harry Maguire’s handball, leading to a spot-kick, which was converted by Diogo Goncalves.

Bruno Fernandes then netted his own penalty to re-give his side the lead, but Lukas Lerager and Roony Bardghji’s late strikes sent the Parken Stadium into hysterics and United, collapsing to their knees in despair.

Ten Hag bemoans officiating

Ten Hag addressed the officiating decisions post-match, saying: “It’s clear we are very disappointed because you [we] played very good. We started the game very well, best minutes of this season, we are winning the game and I think the red card changes everything. Then, we conceded two goals before half-time, which I think should never have counted. First is offside, second the penalty – that is, in four games, four penalties against [us]. I say three are very debatable.

“Also harsh [the red card], he went for the ball and the referee has such a long time to make it a red card.”

Footage courtesy of The Mirror. 

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